An Ode to Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque

What would you do if one of your holy grail beauty products was discontinued? (And I’m sure that many of you have had it happen, so what did you actually do?)

About two weeks ago, I tweeted that Chanel Customer Service confirmed, via email, that all but Coromandel were going to be discontinued in 2011. I called their customer service line to get confirmation through that route, just in case, and they had the reverse information–Coromandel was being discontinued but nothing else–but they said they would escalate my question up to corporate. Last Wednesday, I had to tweet confirmation by Chanel corporate that all shades (except Coromandel) were being discontinued in 2011.

Long-time readers know that Chanel Dragon (75) Rouge Allure Laque ($32.00 for 0.20 fl. oz.) is one of few holy grail products for me, and it really is; it’s the red I reach for on every special occasion. It’s my power red. There is no other lip color that garners as many compliments as this shade. So I did what any beauty addict would do: immediately bought back-ups upon back-ups. I haven’t finished my original tube of Dragon, though I suspect I am nearly the end, and had already repurchased a second tube for future use. I bought five more, though I plan to distribute a few of those to my favorite people this Christmas. It’s still available (at least online) at Nordstrom and Saks.

Realistically, there are numerous other reds I love and enjoy, and while it may not be that on oh-my-goodness-this-is-perfect level, they’re close enough, and I’ll make it through. With luck, Chanel is replacing the RAL line-up with something bigger and better. With even better luck, I’ll discover a dupe or an even more fantastic red over time. Guerlain Garconne is the closest I’ve found so far.

373 Comments

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That’s sad! How can they possibly take away this gorgeous product? Well, I guess it’s been available for quite a while now and sooner or later everything gets discontinued or replaced by something else. I will definitely get a few back-ups.

Since I saw this color on your website, I fell inlove with the color! It’s such a gorgeous red! Such an intimidating color for me, but I just ordered 2 of them! =) Figured it would be perfect for the Holidays and this will be my special occacion lip product. =)

Christine, do you know if Chanel Rouge Allure in Audace is also being discontinued? It’s my HG red and I’m planning on buying some backups as well! How long is it safe to store unopened lipsticks? Thanks!!

How many uses do you think one tube has? I’m tempted to buy back-ups just for the sake of it, but considering I only use Dragon maybe once a year (it’s just THAT special), I’m wondering if I can just pull through.

I see your loyalty- this color is BEAUTIFUL on you. I haven’t mustered up the courage to wear bold lips yet (I’ve JUST started with fleshy tones and pinks..) but I must say, you are giving me some inspiration 🙂

Christine, I think (but of course I could be wrong) the only reason Coromandel wasn’t listed was because it had already been discontinued. It’s still available at on nordstrom.com, but Chanel listed it a while back on their Deja Vu page where they list things that are discontinued but still in stock. I own seven of the RALs including the newest holiday one, but need to get Coromandel before it disappears – and a few of my own back ups of Dragon! It’s an amazing little tube of gorgeous:D Thank you for helping me find it!

agreed!! the case is just like my fondness with dior last holiday 5 golds eyeshadow palette. I missed it, and i figured something better will come up in the future from dior or any other brand. but i was WRONG!! so with a holy grail product such as chanel dragon, i think buying back-ups more than 2 are reasonable, well to me it is. do you know why they discontinued the product?

Oh no!! This looks so so fantastic on u Christine…I thought I could wait forever to purchase this..! But now I ll have to hurry up!
Do u think it would suit an NC 42 skin tone…if you say yes, I am buying it straightaway!

I got it asa u posted this, but I was such a fool not to try for one whole month..Yday, I tried it before I went out for shopping and its unbelievably gorgeous. First time in my life in 10 years, I got compliments for the lipstick shade from total strangers..and now, when I want to have back ups, its no more available 🙁
..I never imagined it will suit me so much(being warm toned)..Chanel, u should not have done this …my heart is shattered on my own foolishness..why did I wait for so long…sob sob..

I understand completely what you mean. My favorite pink was discontinued a few years ago (it was made by a Brazilian brand named Natura) and I’ve never found a dupe for it 🙁 And I think if Guerlain ever discontinued Geisha (Rouge G) I’d have a heart attack!!!

Goddamnit, Christine, this is assballs. (and if that’s too much color you can deny my comment and I’ll understand and tone it down for a second try. 🙂

I still haven’t tried Dragon, don’t wear red very often, and absolutely have to have this before it’s dropped entirely. Does Chanel not read this blog?! Do they not know how many people you have converted?! Bastards.

The reason why this surprised me is, it seems Chanel have taken no notice of influential bloggers and public opinion, or else they’d realise how much power a great review can have and the sales they’ve earned out of the love shown to it on this website.